How To Create A Successful Test Automation Strategy for CBT

The complex infrastructure of modern apps allows them to conduct multiple operations at the same time. This is possible by having continuous access to different elements at the same time. However, to stabilize this infrastructure, the app developers need to deploy advanced test cases that verify the functioning of each element on these apps. Automating these test cases will further help to boost the efficiency and quality of the testing infrastructure. Using Cross Browser testing, the app developers can also improve the compatibility of the application undergoing the development process.

With this article, we are going to discuss how application developers can create successful and comprehensive test automation strategies for Cross-Browser testing. We will also go through some of the best tips and practices that can help app developers utilize the full potential of their automation test bench.

The Revolutionary World of Automation Testing

During the early years of app development, the developers used manual test cases to individually test the functioning of all the elements present in the app. However modern applications consist of thousands of different elements that would take several months to finish the test cases if conducted manually. On the other hand, by automating these test cases, the system can automatically conduct the test instances 24 hours round the clock even without the involvement of human developers. For this process, the system will use automation test scripts that will allow it to emulate human interactions while communicating with the app.

The developers can also tweak the parameters in the test scripts to ensure that the results are customized according to the requirements of the app development project. By properly implementing automation testing, the developers can influence modern app development processes in the following ways:

• Since automation testing runs 24 hours around the clock and is devoid of human involvement, it is not only efficient but also error-free.

• By integrating automation testing to conduct repetitive test cases like unit testing and regression testing, the app developers can focus on the creative areas of the project. For example, they can discuss and create new features that can be rolled out in the future app update.

• While using test automation, the developers can also integrate dedicated tools, plugins, and dependencies for accessing additional features to improve the quality of the app undergoing the development project.

• Automation testing also has a crucial role in improving the resource management and time efficiency of the company. This is because it will help save a lot of company time and resources by eliminating their requirements of setting up and maintaining a human testing team.

Exploring Cross-Browser Testing

During the early years of the Internet, Internet Explorer was the only way of accessing the Internet. So, the developers had to maintain the compatibility on this one browser. However, with the advancement of technology, rising competition, and increasing user demands, various new alternatives like Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari arrived in the market. To keep up with the revolutionary trends, the app developers had to extend the compatibility on all of these browsers. However, the process of creating native apps for every web browser was a resource and time-consuming process.

Instead, the app developers can implement Cross-Browser testing to ensure that the single app infrastructure functions efficiently even after random changes in the operating system, browser version, or other device parameters. While using Cross-Browser testing, the app developers can also analyze the behavior of the application when it is subjected to older browser versions and legacy devices. By automating this process, the system will automatically run the test instances without any human involvement.

Steps to Create a Successful Strategy for Cross-Browser Testing

To help the new automation testers, we have created a list of some of the most important steps that can help to create a successful strategy for implementing automated Cross-Browser testing:

• Defining the Test Objectives
  

Before beginning the testing process, the app developers must lay out the objectives for the testing process. In this step, they can include the expected performance of the app so that they can compare the final results with it. In this step, the app developers can also consider all the test cases that they can automate in the application. Some of the most important considerations include compatibility testing, performance testing, and functional testing.

• Implementation of Parallel Test Execution

Modern apps consist of thousands of different elements that cannot be tested individually. So, with the implementation of parallel test execution, the app developers can run multiple instances of Cross-Browser testing on different configurations and machines at the same time. Using this process, the app developers can also run the test instances on multiple browser combinations at the same time. For the implementation of parallel test execution, the system acts like a hub that is connected to several nodes. Here, each node represents an individual testing instance.

• Integration of Cloud Testing

Real device testing has a critical role in improving the efficiency of cross-browser test execution. However, the process of setting up and maintaining a physical device lab is not only expensive but also hectic. So, using cloud platforms like LambdaTest, the app developers can achieve similar test results by running the test cases on remote devices using the Internet. Other than this, cloud testing also has other benefits like access to hundreds of legacy devices along with the complete removal of geolocation barriers.

• Efficient Choice of Browsers and Devices

Before beginning Cross-Browser testing, the app developers must choose their target browsers and devices. For this process, they can analyze their audience to understand their requirements. For a new company, they can begin this process by choosing the most popular browsers in the current market. For instance, in the desktop segment, Google Chrome holds the first position followed by Safari.

• Creating a Comprehensive Test Plan

App developers need to have a comprehensive test plan consisting of the testing strategy, automation testing tools, and relevant backup for any bugs or errors. While creating this plan, the app developer should not only include the development and testing teams but also the business and production teams. This process will help to create a basic awareness about the current status of the app development project.

• Ways to Handle Browser-Specific Behaviour

While implementing Cross-Browser testing, the developers must remember that not all browsers behave in the same manner. So while creating the test cases, they must consider these variations and adapt accordingly. They should also install all the relevant browser drivers before beginning the test execution process. In certain instances, the app developers might have to implement conditional logic for handling the browser differences.

• Implementation of Performance Testing

By integrating performance testing with automated Cross-Browser testing, the app developers will be able to analyze the performance of the app when it is subjected to different browser and device combinations. It will also help to understand whether any browser parameters or native features harm the functioning of the app. Based on the results of performance testing, app developers can make significant changes in the infrastructure to ensure stable compatibility across multiple browsers. While implementing performance testing, the app developers should also include older browser versions as they tend to have a massive impact on the app’s functioning.

Using performance testing, the app developers can also understand the impact of physical parameters like unstable bandwidth, low battery, and user interaction errors.

• Monitoring the Test Status and Report Analysis

During the execution process, the app developers should constantly monitor the test cases so that they can detect the bugs as soon as they appear in the app infrastructure. Analyzing the final Test report will also help the developers remove the bugs before they can harm the other elements of the application. Certain AI-powered test orchestration and test execution platforms like LambdaTest automatically generate comprehensive test reports consisting of various visual parameters to easily detect the bugs and remove them efficiently.

LambdaTest and How it Helps to Automate Cross-Browser Test Cases

LambdaTest is an AI-powered test orchestration and test execution platform that allows developers to initiate and execute automated Cross-Browser testing on web apps. The LambdaTest real device testing cloud provides access to thousands of real devices through remote servers. Using this platform, the developers will also have access to artificial intelligence for initiating and executing the automation test cases. The combination of test reports from real devices along with simulation software helps massively improve the accuracy of the results.

By using LambdaTest to execute automated Cross-Browser test cases, the developers and testers can utilize the following benefits:

• The real device testing cloud provides access to not only modern devices but also hundreds of legacy devices and older browser versions. So, the app developers can use this feature to massively boost the compatibility of the application.

• While using LambdaTest, app developers can also use parallel test execution to run multiple test instances at the same time on different machines.
• LambdaTest also allows the developers to integrate Selenium Grid to further simplify the process of executing automated Cross-Browser testing and web apps.

• While using this platform, app developers can also integrate other testing processes like end-to-end testing, data-driven testing, and automated regression testing.

• Since LambdaTest provides native support for executing Cross-Browser testing, the app developers can easily initiate this testing process. We have mentioned a sample code for performing Cross-Browser testing using the Selenium WebDriver on LambdaTest:

• After executing the Cross-Browser test cases, LambdaTest will generate a detailed test report consisting of various information like test activity logs along with screenshots and videos that were captured during the execution process. This data will assist the developers during the troubleshooting and debugging process.
• The official website of LambdaTest has elaborate documentation on various methods and features available with this platform. This website uses simple language along with sample test cases to elaborate on the important parameters. LambdaTest also has a vast support system consisting of over-the-phone support, a mailing feature, and live chat. For the discussion of the developers and testers, LambdaTest also maintains an open-source community.

The Conclusive Views

The developers need to create a proper automation strategy before beginning the Cross-Browser test cases. With the implementation of this process, the developers will be able to avoid any unwanted surprises during the test execution process. It is also important to constantly update the information regarding all the new trends and innovations in these segments. Constantly monitoring the target audience will allow the developers to understand their requirements and customize them accordingly. By implementing these factors, the developers will be able to successfully create a positive image for the brand and maintain their position in this competitive segment of the industry.